B-Mets shut down Portland in series finale

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wbng sports

July 14, 2013Updated Jul 15, 2013 at 12:08 AM EDT

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The Binghamton Mets rode a strong pitching performance from Erik Goeddel as they blanked the Portland Sea Dogs, 4-0 in the series finale Sunday afternoon at NYSEG Stadium. This was their third shutout of the series, which is the first time Binghamton has accomplished that feat in their 22-year franchise history.

Goeddel scattered four hits, and did not allow a Portland runner to reach third base during his outing. Offensively, Binghamton scored early in the first inning for the fifth consecutive game.

With two outs and runners at first and second, Portland catcher attempted a snap throw to first base to try and pick off Rhyne Hughes. The throw however hit Hughes’ helmet and bounced into the stands allowing Josh Rodriguez to score all the way from second base.

In the third inning, Binghamton extended their lead against Portland starter Matt Barnes. Danny Muno led off with a walk, and the B-Mets quickly loaded the bases with a single and another walk. Two batters later, Travis Taijeron hit a sacrifice fly into left field allowing Muno to score with ease.

After the third, Barnes was removed from the ballgame after throwing 82 pitches in three innings. He handed things off the Nate Striz with the B-Mets leading, 2-0. Striz, in his Double-A debut, got into immediate trouble in the fourth. Wilfredo Tovar singled, stole second base, and scored on a Xorge Carrillo RBI single to left to give Binghamton a 2-0 lead. Later in the frame, Carrillo advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a single by Alonzo Harris.

Ryan Fraser took over for Goeddel in the top of the seventh inning. After throwing a 1-2-3 seventh, he returned in the eighth inning but could not record an out. The righty gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases, and he was replaced by veteran Pedro Feliciano.

Feliciano rose up to the tight situation. He struck out Travis Shaw, Michael Almanzar, and got Matt Spring to fly out to escape the jam without surrendering an inherited run. In the ninth, Adam Kolarek worked through a double and a walk to preserve the shutout and give the B-Mets their 58th win of the season.

Goeddel (8-3) earned his eighth win of the year, which ties him for the league lead with three other pitchers. Barnes (4-6) took the loss, and Feliciano was given his fifth hold of the season.

After winning four of five games against Portland, the B-Mets (58-34) welcome the Richmond Flying Squirrels for a three-game series at NYSEG Stadium. First pitch on Monday is set for 6:35 PM as RHP Logan Verrett takes the hill for the B-Mets against RHP Taylor Rogers for Richmond.